Omaha daily bee., 1887-05-07
willing co Compromise.

We some time ago noted the fact that
Springer Of Illinois had
expressed himself in favor Of a compro-
mise between the hostile factions OF the
democracy on the tariff, in order to effect
reduction of the revenues which men
of all parties concede to be necessary. 1t
now transpires that Mr.. Carlisle takes
similar view of the situation, except that
he expects rather more from re publicans
than from the protectionist democrats.
I he Kentucky congressman is quite san
guine regarding reduction. He has no
doubt that the next congress will reduce
revenues, though he does not expect the
passage Of such bill as the revenue re.
form democrats would like to have.
1t will be remembered that when Mr..
Randall endeavored, near the close OF the
last congress, to bring forward bill re-
peallng the tobacco tax. Mr.. Carlisle
would not permit him to do SO. He
seems to have modified his views some
what In this direction, and now says 'it
might occur, in the efforts to get through
bill reducing the tariff, that some com.
promises should be made. Under the
circumstances, with an opposition
senate, and with division of opinion
among democratic representatives, a
compromise that was fair would be hon
orable. In such a state of the case the
obacco tax might be repealed" Tho
whisky tax, however, he insists should
be left undisturbed.
There could be no better indication
than this of the position that will be
taken in the next congress by the rev.
enue reform democrats, who will be more
completely than ever in the control of
Mr.. Carlisle, since Mr.. Morrison will not
be present to divide influence. 1t may
be remarked also that the modified
attitude of MIR. Carlisle is in accord with
the understood views of the administra-
ton, the president IN his last message
having counselled, IN relation to the tariff
question, "a willingness to yield some
thing for the public good" But will the
limited compromise suggested by MIR.
Carlisle be met in a similar spirit by the
tariff men? The repeal of the tobacco
tax would cut down the revenues nearly
$30, 100000. Will the protectionists,
democrats or republicans surrender an
equal amount in tariff duties! The solu-
ton will still rest chiefly with Mr.. Ran
dali and his faction, as it did in the last
congress, who will continue to hold the
balance of power. The republican as
sistanoe that Mr.. Carlisle now counts on
will not be strong enough to effect the de.
sired object. What Mr.. Randall may
do or refuse to do no man can
tell, but it is evident that he
con dictate terms if he is able to hold his
faction together. He will exert himself
as never before to do this, for the break
ing up of his little band of adherents in
congress would be his political ruin. He
understands that nine-tenths Of the party,
with the administration in sympathy, de-
sires and seeks his downfall, and would
pounce on him with both feet il he should
fall. He must keep his contingent solid
or 60 down, perhaps never to rise again.
1t is certain, therefore. that Randall will
fight with desperate energy to keep his
little force intact, and if he accomplishes
this he will again be master of the situa-
ton. 1t is this unfortunate phase of the
situation that detracts somewhat from
the confident assurances of Mr.. Carlisle
and suggests fear that experience
with tho next congress in this matter
may be little if any more satisfactory
than it was with the last.